News & Headteacher Blogs

 Understanding Meningitis Symptoms and Staying Safe

We wanted to share some clear and trusted information about meningitis, whilst also reassuring our families that student wellbeing and safeguarding remain at the heart of everything we do.

Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. It can affect anyone, but teenagers and young adults can be more vulnerable to certain types of meningitis, particularly when living, studying and socialising closely together. Most illnesses students experience will, of course, be routine viral infections, but it is important that families are aware of symptoms that may require urgent medical attention.

Students aged 11–18 in the UK would usually have received meningitis-related vaccinations as babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks old, a booster at around 1 year old, and the MenACWY vaccine during secondary school, usually in Year 9 or Year 10 (around ages 13–15). Vaccination schedules have changed slightly since 2015, so parents and carers who are unsure can check their child’s records with their GP surgery or through the NHS App.

For trusted information and guidance, parents and carers may find the following resources helpful:

• NHS Meningitis Information
• NHS Symptoms Guide
• Meningitis Research Foundation
• Meningitis-ACWY-leaflet

Symptoms can appear suddenly and may include:

• A high temperature
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• A stiff neck
• Dislike of bright lights
• Feeling unusually sleepy or difficult to wake
• Confusion
• Cold hands and feet
• Muscle or joint pain
• A rash that does not fade under pressure with a glass

It is important to know that symptoms can appear in any order and that a rash does not always appear.

The NHS advises that if you are concerned about meningitis or sepsis, you should seek medical help immediately and trust your instincts.

At school, we take all student health concerns seriously. We encourage students to speak to a member of staff, their Tutor, pastoral team or Head of Year if they are feeling unwell, worried, anxious or concerned about themselves or a friend.

As always, thank you for your continued support in helping us look after one another as a School. 

Pastoral Structure - The Downs School